Understanding Documentary Photography
Documentary photography is a form of photographic storytelling that provides a straightforward and accurate representation of people, places, events, and cultures. This genre of photography aims to highlight social and environmental issues, but can also serve to document everyday life. It captures the reality in front of the lens and thus, tells the story of what happens across the globe in a visually engaging manner.
Gearing up
Choosing the right equipment is crucial. While professional photographers may lug around multiple cameras and lenses, travellers looking to capture documentary-style photos can opt for a more streamlined setup.
• Camera: A mirrorless camera or a DSLR is preferable for their image quality and versatility. However, high-quality compact cameras can also be excellent for more inconspicuous work.
• Lenses: A good range involves having a wide-angle lens (like a 24mm or 35mm) for expansive scenes and landscapes, and a faster lens (50mm or 85mm) for portraits and details.
• Storage and Backup: Always carry extra memory cards and a portable hard drive or cloud storage solution to back up your photos daily.
• Accessories: Invest in a sturdy, comfortable camera bag. Additional batteries, lens cleaning supplies, and polarizing or neutral density filters can also be essential.
Planning your journey
The more you know about your destination, the better your documentary photography can be.
• Research: Learn about the place’s history, culture, and current social issues. Understanding these can provide a deeper context to your images.
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Ethics of Wildlife Photography: Shooting and Editing
Wildlife photography is a captivating art that brings us closer to the beauty of nature and its inhabitants. However, it comes with a significant ethical responsibility. Wildlife photographers have the power to shape how the world perceives animals and their habitats, but this power also comes with the need to act with integrity, both in the field and during the editing process. This article explores the ethical considerations in wildlife photography, focussing on two critical aspects: shooting and editing.
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Wildlife photography is an art that goes beyond having the right equipment or perfect lighting.
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From the wild lands of Kaziranga to the battlegrounds of Masai Mara, Jayanta Guha's passion for wildlife conservation burns bright as the sun. His unique way of capturing often-endangered animals have brought him a lot of praise and accolades over the 5+ years of his photography career. Asian Photography caught up with him about his passion for wildlife conservation, his unique style & workflow and his future.
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